Medicinal Properties of the Flame Lilly

Gloriosa Superba . Known as Flame lilly in English, Kajongwe in Shona (Zimbabwe) and Unyawo in Ndebele is a plant which is the national flower of Zimbabwe and was the national flower of Rhodesia.It occurs naturally on tree and rock shades on hillsides in South Africa , Swaziland, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Though chemical research has shown that the plant sap from the sterm and tuber is highly poisonous , It has medicinal properties when used correctly. It is claimed to have anthelminthic, Antiperiodic, Antiseptic, Pediculicide; Purgative, libacterial and Antiviral properties.

Accoding to the Tswana of Botswana, the sap from young leaves and leaf tips can applied onto the skin to treat acne and skin disorders . The fresh leaves are crushed and the sap extracted can be diluted with water for senitive skin, then applied to the affected areas.

In Zimbabwe the Flame lilly plant is used as a toothache relief remedy. Cut part of the tuber and boil in water. The water is then applied onto the affected tooth and pain is suppose to subside after a few minutes.

In certain parts in Africa, the plant is used to treat stomach worm problems, digestive disorders and sexually transmitted infections .